• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • Campfire Ban in Effect.

    Due to severe fire conditions campfires restrictions are currently in place. More »

  • 2013 Zone 4 Closure

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

2012 ORV Permits Go On Sale December 16

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Date: November 28, 2011
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107

The 2012 Off-road Vehicle (ORV) permits for Big Cypress National Preserve will go on sale Friday, December 16. Once purchased, permits are valid through January, 31 2013. Permits did not sell out in 2011, therefore, there is no need to submit lottery requests. 2012 permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Renewal forms should not be submitted until after December 16.

If your ORV is required to be inspected you may obtain permits at the ORV Office located at the Oasis Visitor Center. If your vehicle does not require an inspection you may submit your renewal request and payment by following the guidance on the ORV Permit Renewal Form at - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/upload/2012-13-ORV-Permit-Renewal-Form.pdf

We remind all ORV permitees that travel in the backcountry is along designated trails only. Travel off designated trails will result in permit suspension and possible fines. For more information on the designated trail network go to - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/designated-trail-implementation.htm

For more information on ORV permitting and use in the Preserve go to - http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm, or contact the ORV Office at 239-695-1205.

Did You Know?

A great white heron scratches its neck. Notice the color of the legs.

The great white heron is very similar to the great white egret. However, look closely and you will see that the heron has yellow legs, while the egret has black legs. The great white heron is found only in south Florida in the United States. It can also be found on several caribbean islands.